Kathryn Kuder

Kathryn "Kathy" Lenore (Johnson) Kuder, formerly of Saint Paul and Woodbury, passed away surrounded by her family on November 4, 2023, at the age of 78, following a courageous battle with aggressive lung cancer.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Kathryn's life will be held at 3:30 pm on Sunday, November 26, at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th Street S., Cottage Grove, MN, with visitation from 12-3 pm. A Memorial Luncheon will take place on Monday, November 27, at 11 am at Junction 70 Restaurant, 6933 Pine Arbor Dr. S., Cottage Grove. Staging for the graveside interment will be at KOK from 12:45-1 pm for the processional to Fort Snelling Cemetery.

Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Arthur and Lenore (Gleason) Johnson on February 3, 1945, Kathy enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Saint Paul and White Bear Lake. During her youth, she modeled for Dayton's Department store. Kathy graduated from St. Joseph's Academy of Saint Paul in 1964, where her creativity and artistic flair blossomed.

Kathy's talents found a perfect outlet in her career in the travel industry. After a brief stint in New York City post-high school, she realized her heart belonged in the Midwest, reuniting with her family back in Minnesota. She started her career in a local travel agency, utilizing the perks to explore Spain, Portugal, and Greece. Over time, she transitioned to Republic Airlines and then Northwest Airlines, actively contributing to the creative aspects of the company's large Minneapolis-based holiday fundraisers for local underprivileged children. Her dedicated career concluded after many years working in the airline industry.

Above all, Kathy's true passion lay in her family. She cherished gatherings and celebrations, particularly hosting the holidays with her parents and attending or hosting Christmas Eve, with her parents, sisters, and their families. Kathy recently expressed her fond memories of these moments, hoping the tradition of togetherness would endure. Her love for family weddings was evident as she lit up when "We Are Family" played, joyfully dancing with her sisters, children, and grandchildren.

In 1971, during a visit to her sister in Hawaii, Kathy met her beloved husband, Eldon "Al" Kuder, who was stationed there with the US Navy and was best friends with her brother-in-law. Their whirlwind romance led to 52 devoted years of marriage. After a brief period in San Diego, they settled in Saint Paul to raise their family before moving to Woodbury for the last 25 years, close to their daughter and Kathy's parents.

Kathy's artistic side found expression through drawing, handwriting, and imagination. Her creative endeavors extended to a doll collection she aspired to bring to market, as well as a cookbook, that had a segment on Twin Cities Live. Kathy's creativity infused every aspect of her life.

She is survived by her daughter, Kelly (Don) Grundhauser; son, Kevin (Christina) Kuder; four adored grandchildren, Nicholas, Jacob, Kinley, and Everett; sisters Sharon (Roger) McVay, MaryEllen Praml, Pat (Dan) Mastel, and in-laws Judi Johnson, Charlene Reinhart, Carolyn Damon, Lloyd (Linda) Kuder; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Eldon "Al" Kuder; parents, Art and Lenore Johnson; siblings, Tom and Bob Johnson; and in-laws Charles and Nola (Hagebusch) Kuder; Delia (Clarney) Steilen, Delores (Elmer) Klink, Shirley (Mel) Nelson, Maudene (Don) Hohbach, Helen (Bill) Tietz, and Donnie Kuder, Larry Praml.

On behalf of the Kuder family we express our deepest appreciation for the love, care and support provided to Kathy and family in her final days by the staff of Woodwinds Hospital. 

In remembrance of Kathy, the family prefers memorials in lieu of flowers.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION:  For those who would like to participate in the service via livestream, you can watch the service by scrolling to the bottom of this page, and click “PLAY" to begin.  Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service.  If you are having trouble with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.